Supreme Court of Tasmania

What the Supreme Court of Tasmania does

The Court has unlimited civil jurisdiction within Tasmania and exclusive jurisdiction over the most serious criminal matters. It also hears appeals from the Magistrates Court in both criminal and civil cases. The Court operates in two parts: a Trial Division, which hears matters for the first time (its original jurisdiction), and an Appeal Division, where the Full Court hears civil appeals and the Court of Criminal Appeal hears criminal appeals. It sits in three places — Hobart (the principal registry), Launceston and Burnie.

What it hears

Serious (indictable) criminal trials — for example murder, manslaughter, serious sexual offences, armed robbery and large-scale drug offences
Major civil claims and commercial disputes, with no upper limit on the amount in dispute
Appeals from the Magistrates Court in both criminal and civil matters
Criminal appeals and sentence appeals heard by the Court of Criminal Appeal
Civil appeals heard by the Full Court
Probate, the administration of deceased estates, and contested wills
Administrative law and judicial review, and the Court's other supervisory jurisdiction
Family provision claims, trusts and other equity matters

Before your first court date

If your matter is criminal, it will usually reach the Supreme Court after being committed from the Magistrates Court; the prosecution then files an indictment setting out the charges before the matter goes ahead. Before your first date, make sure you know which registry your matter is listed in (Hobart, Launceston or Burnie), check the daily list on the Court's website on the morning of your appearance, and arrange your lawyer if you have one. If you are an accused person, the Court's "Attending Court" pages explain what will happen and what is expected of you. Civil proceedings start by filing the correct originating process in a registry, after which the matter is case-managed through directions hearings before any trial date is fixed.

What happens at your first appearance

At a first appearance in a criminal matter, the judge checks whether an indictment has been filed. If it has, the accused may be arraigned — the charges are read out and the accused is called on to plead guilty or not guilty. After the first appearance, directions hearings are listed as needed to manage the case: counsel update the judge on the steps taken, on whether the matter is ready, and on the timetable toward a plea or trial. This case management is governed by the Criminal (Case Management) Rules and the Court's Practice Directions. Arrive early, dress neatly, and address the judge as "Your Honour".

What to prepare

Any documents or letters you have received from the Court, the prosecution or the other side, including the indictment or originating process
The case or file number and the registry where your matter is listed
Details of your lawyer, or your decision about whether you will be represented or appear yourself
A clear written summary of the key dates, facts and what you want to happen
For civil matters, copies of relevant contracts, correspondence and evidence in an organised bundle
Arrangements for arriving early — allow time for security screening and finding the right courtroom

When to get legal advice

The information on this page explains how the Supreme Court of Tasmania works in general terms — it cannot tell you how the law applies to your situation. Because this Court deals with the most serious criminal charges and the largest civil disputes, the stakes are high and a mistake can be costly. You should get advice from an admitted Australian lawyer if you are facing an indictable charge, responding to a major civil claim, considering an appeal, dealing with a contested estate, or unsure about deadlines or what to file. We can help you book a fixed-fee consultation with a lawyer who can advise on your specific circumstances.

Where it is

Hobart registry (the principal seat of the Court): 5 Salamanca Place, Hobart TAS 7000. Postal address: GPO Box 167, Hobart TAS 7001. The Hobart registry is in the Salamanca Place precinct near the waterfront and is reachable by bus and on foot from the city centre; the Court also sits in Launceston and Burnie, so check which registry your matter is listed in before you travel. Registry counter hours are 9:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Official sources

Supreme Court of Tasmania — official website ↗Locations and Hours (Hobart, Launceston, Burnie registries) ↗Attending Court — information for an accused person ↗

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Supreme Court of Tasmania, and does it sit anywhere other than Hobart?

The principal registry is at 5 Salamanca Place, Hobart TAS 7000 (postal: GPO Box 167, Hobart TAS 7001). The Court also sits in Launceston and Burnie, so always check which registry your matter is listed in before you travel. Registry counter hours are 9:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

What is the difference between the Supreme Court and the Magistrates Court in Tasmania?

The Magistrates Court deals with less serious criminal matters and smaller civil disputes. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the State and handles the most serious (indictable) criminal trials and major civil claims with no upper monetary limit. It also hears appeals from the Magistrates Court. Because Tasmania has no intermediate District or County court, the Supreme Court covers all higher-court trial work.

Why does Tasmania's Supreme Court handle so many types of case?

Most Australian states have an intermediate court (a District or County Court) that sits between the Magistrates Court and the Supreme Court. Tasmania does not, so the Supreme Court takes on the full range of serious trial work as well as appeals, in both its Trial Division and its Appeal Division.

What happens at a first appearance in a criminal matter?

The judge checks whether an indictment has been filed. If it has, the accused may be arraigned — the charges are read out and the accused is asked to plead guilty or not guilty. After this, directions hearings are listed as needed to manage the case toward a plea or trial, under the Criminal (Case Management) Rules and the Court's Practice Directions.

How do I find out when and where my matter is listed?

The Court publishes daily lists on its website showing what is listed in each registry. Check the list on the morning of your appearance, and confirm the registry (Hobart, Launceston or Burnie). The Court's general line is 1300 664 608, and there are separate civil, criminal and probate registry contacts.

Can I appeal a decision, and which court hears the appeal?

Yes. Civil appeals are heard by the Full Court and criminal appeals (including sentence appeals) are heard by the Court of Criminal Appeal — both part of the Court's Appeal Division. Appeals from the Magistrates Court are also heard in the Supreme Court. Strict time limits apply to appeals, so get legal advice quickly if you are thinking of appealing.

Do I have to have a lawyer to appear?

You are generally entitled to represent yourself, but the Supreme Court deals with serious and complex matters where the consequences of a misstep can be significant. For indictable charges, major civil claims, appeals or contested estates, it is strongly advisable to get advice from an admitted Australian lawyer. We can help you book a fixed-fee consultation.

Does the Supreme Court deal with deceased estates and contested wills?

Yes. The Court handles probate, the administration of deceased estates, contested wills, and family provision claims, along with trusts and other equity matters. If you are dealing with an estate dispute, a lawyer can advise on the process and your prospects.